The Lee-Enfield was the main firearm used by the British Empire and Commonwealth, not just during World War II, but for the first half of the 20th century. It was a bolt-action, magazine-fed, repeating rifle that was first adopted in 18.
What weapon did Britain use in ww2
The Lee-Enfield was the main firearm used by the British Empire and Commonwealth, not just during World War II, but for the first half of the 20th century. It was a bolt-action, magazine-fed, repeating rifle that was first adopted in 18.
Why was Britain so weak in ww2
In particular, there was a lack of home defences, especially against bombing. The heads of Britain’s armed forces consistently warned Chamberlain that Britain was too weak to fight.
Is the SA80 a good rifle
Once dubbed the ‘civil servant’ by troops amid complaints over its reliability – the SA80 has been the go-to rifle for the British Armed Forces on operations all across the world to this day. The first prototypes were created in 1976, with production of the A1 variant starting in 1985.
Did ww2 soldiers have condoms
As World War II began, American military were issued not only condoms, but also propaganda promoting their use against sexually transmitted diseases.
Why did ww2 soldiers condoms?
Condoms made sure the rifle was ready instantly. Condoms were also used as waterproof containers for small items—such as matches or charges for underwater explosives. Condoms could also be filled with water and used in emergencies as a surgical glove to prevent infection.
Did the UK used to allow guns
By the end of 1997, Parliament had banned private ownership of most handguns, building on measures passed following the Hungerford killings, including a semi-automatic weapons ban and mandatory registration for shotgun owners.
Did the British use jets in ww2?
The Gloster Meteor was the first British jet fighter and the Allies’ only jet aircraft to engage in combat operations during the Second World War.
What was the best ww2 rifle
There is no denying that the United States military’s M1 Garand was truly the best of the main battle rifles used in the Second World War.
Who had best tanks in ww2
The Panther is often believed to be the best German tank of the Second World War. When the Germans invaded Russia in June 1941, they were surprised by the quantity and quality of Soviet armour. Hitler ordered that the T-34 be copied and the result was the Panther, which saw action for the first time at Kursk in 1943.
Did Britain nearly surrender in ww2
But to Germany’s surprise, Britain, although apparently defeated and certainly painfully exposed and isolated, did not surrender. It did not even seek to come to terms with Germany.
Has Britain ever lost a war
In 1942, around 100,000 British and Australian troops surrendered to Japan in Singapore despite having a much larger army. Japanese forces took advantage of good intel and poor command on the British side, securing an easy win in what would be remembered as one of the most humiliating defeats in British military
Why does Britain use a bullpup
The primary benefit of a bullpup weapon is that the weapon’s overall length can be significantly decreased without reducing the barrel length. This allows a bullpup weapon to be more easily maneuvered and concealed than a conventional weapon with a similar barrel length, especially in tight spaces.
What is Britain’s main battle rifle
SA80 A2 comprises the Individual Weapon (IW) and the Light Support Weapon (LSW). These are the British Army’s standard combat weapons. Made by Heckler and Koch, they fire NATO standard 5.56 x 45mm ammunition.
What rifle do the SAS use
The integrally-suppressed L118A1 AWC variant is used exclusively by the SAS. Long range standalone .50 BMG anti-materiel rifle that is based on and replaced the AW50.
What equipment does a British soldier carry
This includes ammunition/weapon ancillaries, entrenching tool, bayonet, food and water (and a means to cook), protective and communications equipment. Soldiers will also often carry other items such as waterproof clothing and spare socks.
What weapons did soldiers carry in ww2
- Revolvers and pistols.
- Submachine guns.
- Rifles.
- Shotguns.
- Grenades.
- Recoilless rifles.
- Flamethrowers.
- Obstacle-clearing explosive charges.
What personal items did soldiers have in ww2
Cameras and diaries were forbidden but compact shaving kits, letters from home, magazines, prophylactic kits and other small items were common.
What did Redcoats carry?
The bright red color of the wool coats made it easier to see each other in clouds of gunpowder smoke during heavy fighting. The soliders had to carry a knapsack, food bag, overcoat, blanket, water canteens, and ammunition (bullets). This was a heavy burden for a soldier to have to carry while marching.
How long did WW2 soldiers go without showering
About once every week to ten days, Soldiers would go to the rear for their shower. Upon entering the shower area they turned in their dirty clothing. After showering they received new cloths. They had their choice for size: small, medium, or large.
Who dropped condoms during war
But that wasn’t quite bold enough for one CIA operative, who drew up a plan to also have packets of extra-large condoms, labelled only “small” or “medium”, dropped on Communist nations. The idea literally was to lower their morale by implying the Capitalist Yanks were incredibly well-endowed.
Did ww2 soldiers shave?
Shaving became a requirement during WWI to ensure a “proper fit and seal on the gas mask and personal hygiene”6. Beards and mustaches continued to be outlawed during WWII, however due to razor shortages (an allowance of one blade per week) and the logistics of shaving in trenches, these requirements were more lax.
Why did German soldiers carry condoms
At the time of World War I there were no fast and easy cures for STD’s and the condom was just about the only line of defence readily and cheaply available.
Why did soldiers have to shave
The official explanation for this practice was field sanitation, to help reduce the risk of spreading hair and/or body lice. In addition to personal hygiene benefits, the military buzz cut has had the following effects: Standardization of military look for troops. Adherence to regulations.
Why don t UK cops carry guns
England decided not to give police guns in the 19th century because they didn’t want the public to fear them. Today a majority of the force is still unarmed, with the exception of counter-terrorism units.
Why did England get rid of guns
British gun law changed in the months after the Dunblane massacre in 1996, when a shooter killed 16 children and one teacher at an elementary school near Stirling in Scotland. The private ownership of most handguns was outlawed across the country. There hasn’t been a school shooting since.
What countries ban guns
- Brunei.
- Guinea-Bisseau.
- Myanmar (except for Chin people)
- Palau.
- Timor-Leste.
- Vatican City / Holy See.
Were British tanks any good in ww2
For much of the Second World War, the British Army was saddled with a succession of tanks that ranged from the bad to the barely adequate. Some were rushed into service too quickly and proved notoriously unreliable.
What was Britain’s best plane in ww2
The Spitfire was the iconic aircraft of the Battle of Britain and became the symbol of British defiance in the air. Designed by Reginald Mitchell, it had an advanced all-metal airframe, making it light and strong.
Did the British have helicopters in ww2
The Army Air Corps originated in the Second World War and is the aviation combat and reconnaissance arm of the British Army. Its members fly helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft and have served in most of the Army’s major campaigns.
What was the most feared machine gun in ww2
The ShKAS had the highest rate of fire of any aircraft machine gun in general service during WWII. It was designed by Boris Shpitalniy and Irinarkh Komaritsky and entered production in 1934. ShKAS was used in the majority of Soviet fighters and bombers and served as the basis for the ShVAK cannon.
What was the weirdest weapon in ww2?
- A ship-mounted aerial mine rocket launcher.
- Panjandrum.
- Suicide bomb dogs.
- Explosive rats.
- The largest gun ever used in battle.
- Dummy paratroopers.
- V-3 cannon.
- The Krummlauf curved barrel.
Did they use AK-47 in World War 2?
Although it never saw service during World War II, the AK-47 became the standard infantry weapon for the Red Army, as well as most of the other Warsaw Pact armies. National liberation movements supported by the Soviet Union also found themselves generously equipped.